A recent survey of Red Cross blood donors showed more than 75 percent indicated vacation plans this summer, many of them occurring the week before and after July 4.
Advertisement
Lifetime blood donor William Mayer, Sr. of East Haven will donate his 280thpint of blood with the American Red Cross today at a blood drive at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Guilford.
About 14,000 donations are needed each day for the Red Cross to supply blood and blood platelets to patients at the 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers it supports nationwide.
Despite the summer season, the need for blood remains constant, and with this, patients continue to depend on the generosity of blood donors to meet that need.
Blood donations have fallen short of the need over the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations.
To be eligible to donate blood, one must be at least 17 years old (15 and 16 year olds may donate with parental consent), weigh at least 114 pounds and be in good health. AABB membership includes physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, administrators, medical technologists and other health care providers.
About America’s Blood Centers Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers is North America’s largest network of community based, independent blood programs.
Advertisement
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
